KYLE GORDON

Municipality you currently live in

Born and raised in Egan

How long have you been on the Board of Directors?

I am currently on my second term as an Acadia Parish Chamber Board Member.

Who is your employer and title? What are your responsibilities/duties?

I own and operate Gator Custom Graphix. I handle all the day to day responsibilities and wear many hats like all small business owners. (Customer relations, sales, production management, etc). I am a graphic designer, and also produce, construct and install various forms of graphics and signage.

What inspired you to be involved with the Acadia Chamber?

I luckily discovered the Chamber in the early phases of business ownership. As a full-time college student who found himself (almost overnight) a business owner, I felt quite lost in the world of business and the local business community. I remember the Chamber president answering many of my questions, encouraging me to attend the networking events, and even driving me around the city looking for locations when I needed to relocate. It may sound crazy, but I was shocked at the effort she was putting in to help out my little ol’ business.

The time and energy the Chamber gave to me, not only helped to educate me but also allowed me to see I was a contributing member in the business economy. I was able to meet everyone in the business community, make connections, and continue to learn and grow my small business.

What is one thing about APCC that you think most people don’t know?

I sometimes worry that people start a business and never walk through the chamber doors (even if they are aware of it). In turn, they never realize the valuable resource the chamber could be for them.

What has been the most valuable aspect of your APCC membership?

The networking has been the most valuable aspect. The business world is a large network or community. You HAVE to be a part of it. If not you’re really selling yourself and your business short.

What do you like to do when you’re not working or have free time?

I like music (playing, listening, watching live shows, organizing live shows).
1/3 of the Greetings from Levy Park creators/organizers.
I love hanging out with my daughter, mi mejor amiga.
I also love to train Brazilian JiuJitsu.

Words/quote/book you live by?

I feel like this book has caught more traction in recent years, but I love it and read it once or twice a year.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield “Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles”
It’s great for anyone in any creative field: writers, artists, musicians, etc, but really anyone can benefit from its message.
The book is simply about overcoming your inner resistance and put in work. Stop procrastinating. If you show up every day and put in work, things will happen. It’s about delaying gratification, showing up every day and putting in the work.

In one part of the book, Steven quotes a famous author, and I’ve always loved it:
“Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration. “I write only when inspiration strikes,” he replied. “Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”

Show up. Put in the work.